Redemption In Your Eyes

Discord

Hikaru's steps were measured and careful, as though he was walking to the gallows. Aster led the way up the stairs, holding a change of clothes for him. The Uchiha home was large and had 3 extra rooms for her brother to choose from, but tension made the walls close in. She decided the unused room at the end of the second story hall was best. Her room with Itachi was on the other side of the floor, at the top of the stairs. Opening his door, Aster stepped aside for him to enter.

Still in scrubs, Hikaru seemed bewildered when Aster handed him black crapis, a fishnet top and a grey t-shirt. He surveyed her again, unsure what to do.

"Is..." he stopped, searching for the words he needed. "Can he hear us?"

A look of sorrow overcame her as she remembered the scene in the cell. "Itachi, you mean?"

He nodded.

"No," Aster locked her eyes on her feet. "He's out. He's not going to be listening in, if that's what you think." Indignantly, she added, "He respects me and my privacy."

Sighing, disapproval weighed heavily on him. "Just tell me... Why?"

"Why what?" she snapped.

"Do you even know what he is?" Hikaru gave her a meaningful stare.

Aster returned it with a ferocity he had never seen in her before. "Do I know what? Do I know he murdered his family? Do I know that he was part of the criminal organization Akatsuki?"

Gaping, he took her by the wrist. "You must not understand." Unable to accept what he was hearing, he shook it off. "You know. But you don't understand the depth of what he has done."

"I understand something you don't," she jerked her hand away. Pausing and letting him ponder, she set the clothes on the small bed. Turning back to him, "You are more alike than you seem to realize. You killed for me, just as Itachi killed for his own brother. Akatsuki was a means to the end of protecting Sasuke, just like how you hoped you could protect me using them."

'We are not the same," Hikaru spit. "He murdered women and children asleep in their beds."

Heart sinking through the floor, Aster faced him with quaking hands. "Those murders were based on orders given by an evil organization. Those 'innocent' people were plotting with Akatsuki. Itachi was a child himself. He was put through a horrible ordeal and saw no other way out."

He walked to the window, bittersweet feelings filling him. "I'll never forgive him for his sins. And I'll never accept your union or your child." Putting his face in his palm he continued, "Aster, you are my little sister. I love you and wants what is best for you. This is not..." Hikaru turned slowly to find the room empty.

Wandering feet led her back to the training grounds. Aster let her tears fall, not bothering to wipe them. Is he right and I've just been blinded by memories of a young Itachi I thought I knew?Her hands found her rounding belly. The feel of his lips on her forehead when she'd told him about the pregnancy lingered. This doesn't feel like a lie or an act. He is happy that he will be a father. He seems happy that he will be with me. He appears to be hurt that Sasuke still doesn't accept him. Itachi is human and breakable just like anyone. The tears rolled down her cheeks, leaving warm trails. I don't understand what Hikaru sees. I don't know if I want to.

Moving slowly, Sasuke was lost in thought as he approached his home. Suddenly, the sound of running feet came to him. He looked up to find Itachi approaching. A large purple bruise covered half of his jaw.

"Sasuke!" he called out, motioning for him to turn around.

Bewildered, he responded, "W-what happened?"